I don’t want to go all Kevin Bacon circa 1984 on you, when he starred in
Footloose and read from Ecclesiastes 3 and single-handedly revitalized a
town by reminding them that there is, indeed, a time to dance. Of course,
Solomon the author of Ecclesiastes, wrote about several other things that
need a time and space as well. But Kevin Bacon can only star in so many
iconic roles.
Yet there are times and reasons to celebrate. And it’s not just Solomon and
Mr. Bacon that think so. David wrote of generation telling generation of
God’s mighty acts and celebrating God’s goodness (Psalm 147:4-7). David is
clearly a man after God’s own heart on this issue, because the Old Testament
Law records at least one month each year of celebrating that the Israelites
were to participate in for God’s glory.
So what are the reasons not to frown on a good party?
First, it takes us out of the mundane, allowing us to refocus on what is
important. In the case of the Israelites and the Old Testament Law, that was
focusing on how God was the giver of all good gifts. If you want to know
just how important this was to God, check out Leviticus 25, where God lays
down the law about Sabbath years and the Year of Jubilee. They were more
than just year-long parties, but reminders of how God was actually providing
everything they needed.
Maybe taking a year off is out of the realm of possibility for you, but how
about this for a reason? A second reason is letting everyone around us know
that we have something (and Someone) to celebrate. The disciples of Jesus
were seen in stark contrast to the students of the Pharisees because they
weren’t practicing fasting. But as Jesus pointed out, you don’t fast when
you’re at a wedding (Matthew 9:14-15).
On Sunday, May 6, we’ll be throwing a party for the college students in our
college ministry. It might be hard to believe, but YOUturn is now a full 4
years old. That’s 4 years of intentionally inviting the Grace students
across the street to join us. That’s 4 years of seeing them serve in many
and various ways. That’s 4 years of Bible studies and unique events. And
yes, that’s 4 years we’ve held a Root Beer Float welcome in the fall, an
event that is noticed and even envied by onlookers.
Come and celebrate with us, honoring the graduates for their hard work.
Let’s be thankful for the time we have had with each of them.
*To see more of what is going through Rick’s head, or to continue this
discussion, follow him at www.ricknierwoo.blogspot.com
